The Scientific Method

Introduction

The world is full of questions. What causes volcanoes to form? Why does it
rain? The scientific method was developed to provide an unbiased way of finding
the best possible answer.

The scientific method was developed so scientists could test possible explanations
to questions, and allow others to verify the results. There are five general
steps of the scientific method:

1. Make observations
2. Ask a question based on observations
3. Form several hypotheses
4. Test the hypotheses
5. Make a conclusion

Observation

Observing the world around you is an important first step in the scientific
method. As you make observations, you may begin to ask questions about those
observations. You may see clouds form overhead, see the lightning, hear the
thunder, and then feel the cold rain, but how do the clouds form and why does
rain fall from them?

Betsy sees that she has a shadow. She has also noticed that her shadow will
disappear at times, and even change shape. Looking around the illustration,
you can see that not only Betsy has a shadow. The trees, shrubs, and even nearby
rocks also seem to have shadows. These are all important observations.

Ask a Question

The formation of a question comes from observation. However, not all questions
can be answered using the scientific method. The scientific method can only
be used on those questions that have testable hypotheses. Explanations that
can not tested are in the realm of faith. People can believe in statements of
faith, but those statements can never be proven true or false.

Betsy asked a question, "So what is this shadow and why does everything
seem to have one?" This is another important step, since a question needs
to be raised that can be tested. What do you think a shadow is? What might be
some of the ways you might be able to test your explanation?

Forming a Hypothesis

To find an answer to a question, a hypothesis is formed. A hypothesis is a
possible explanation for the question. They can be proven false, but can never
be proven absolutely true. This allows other people the ability to verify the
results, and leaves the chance to find better explanations as our understanding
grows.

To help remove any personal feelings that may be added when a hypothesis is
formed, multiple hypotheses are typically proposed. This causes all of the hypotheses
to be tested harder in order to throw away the false explanations.

Betsy has begun thinking of all sorts of possible explanations. How might Betsy
test these hypotheses? How would you test them?

Testing the Hypotheses

This is what separates science and faith. By testing the multiple hypotheses
proposed for a question, they are proven true or false. The tests are repeatable,
meaning other people can take the accepted hypothesis and test it independently.
Current science theories are based on this principle, which means theories can
and do change over time.

Betsy decides to try a jumping experiment to see if the shadow is a part of
her. She figures the shadow should remain connected if it is a part of her.
To see if the shadow is a natural clock, or if the shadow is the result of the
absence of light, Betsy decides to use an overhead lamp to look for a shadow
at night.

Drawing a Conclusion

The final step of the scientific method. This is when a hypothesis is either
accepted or rejected. If the conclusion means the hypothesis is rejected, then
another hypothesis needs to be examined. If the hypothesis is accepted, then
the explanation becomes a theory. In both cases, the conclusion should state
all the findings so others can verify the results or explore some of the findings.

Betsy has conducted her experiments, and has concluded that shadows are caused
due to a lack of light. Now Betsy needs to share her findings and let others
try to support or reject them.

Challenge Your Understanding

Here are some printable classroom experiments to explore. The answer keys are
provided on the Teacher Resource CD.